American Family Farmer

Step onto Connecticut’s only veteran-owned dairy farm, where every drop of milk is lightly processed, vat-pasteurized, and bottled right on the property. Guardians Farm in scenic Southbury is the passion project of David Buck, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement Specialist and former K9 officer, and his wife Tamra French, an active K9 officer. Together, they’re first-generation dairy farmers on a mission to produce clean, nutrient-rich milk while caring for the land through regenerative practices.Meet their beloved herd—Holsteins, Jerseys, and Brown Swiss—and learn how each breed contributes its own rich flavor and butterfat magic. From calf cuddles and goat snuggles to a welcoming farm stand stocked with minimally processed dairy, every visit lets you see (and taste!) where your milk comes from.Discover how David and Tamra nurture future generations of cows with group-raised calves, selective genetics, and zero-chemical fields. Whether you’re savoring their fresh milk, booking a weekend cuddle se

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the news of prices for dairy going down, while production has surged, and cheese exports are on the rise.Then, Doug goes over the numbers of who owns what farms — family farms comprise 95% of all U.S. farms.Shifting focus, Doug opines on people who grew up on the farm, but moved away, and wish they could go back to being on the farm. This also points at how many family farmers have secondary jobs to help keep things afloat, and the disgusting reality that a majority of people, especially of new farmers, can’t make a living solely working on and running their farm. This brings back a common question, “Is farming really worth it?” Doug references his conversation with David Buck of Guardians Dairy, an insightful conversation which you can hear HERE.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Meet Grant Guidroz, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind FullnessFarm.com, a thriving organic farm in the heart of Baton Rouge. Since 2015, they’ve been on a mission to grow nutrient-dense vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers—without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides—and share the harvest through their popular CSA and the Red Stick Farmers Market. In this episode of American Family Farmer, you’ll hear how the Guidroz family built Fullness Farm from the ground up, why soil health matters for both flavor and nutrition, and how they help neighbors turn backyards into productive organic gardens. From custom garden design to hands-on consultations, Grant and Allison, his wife, show that anyone can cultivate fresh, seasonal food right outside their door while keeping every food dollar local.Tune in to learn how community-supported agriculture works, discover tips for starting your own organic garden, and get inspired by a family whose passion for sustainable farming is bringing true “fullnes

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the news the USDA will no longer use tax payer dollars to fund solar panels on productive farm land, the need to support farmers and protect the food supply, and the latest updates on the Big Beautiful Bill and how it will affect American family farmers. Next up, to address rising land costs, the USDA is going to reform the FSA and the rural loan programs to better access credit. Lastly, Doug shares a postcard he recently received to his farm from an anonymous sender — using name calling tactics and false accusations against Doug’s political stance. Doug breaks the whole message down and openly addresses each of the sender’s points.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week, Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Andrew Mickelson, sixth-generation Idaho farmer and Chief Technology Officer at Mickelsen Farms (MickelsenFarms.com), one of the region’s largest potato producers.The Mickelsen family has been growing potatoes and grains for generations, building a legacy rooted in hard work, innovation, and community. Andrew shares insights into the family’s diverse operations — from growing Russet Burbank and Norkotah potatoes for the fresh market, to producing seed potatoes under Yellowstone Seed, to packing and processing through Rigby Produce and Potato Products of Idaho.In addition to running day-to-day farm operations, Andrew is also a strong advocate for the Right to Repair movement, pushing for farmers to have access to the tools and diagnostic codes needed to fix their own equipment.His leadership highlights how family farmers are not just feeding America, but also shaping the future of agriculture.Tune in to hear Andrew’s story of family, advocacy, and the techno

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with a story from Florida and how farmers are plowing over perfectly good tomatoes as the tariff policies are costing prices to go down. The latest on how the I.C.E. raids are affecting small farmers. Then, the problem in most parts of the U.S. with attacks on cattle by wolves and coyotes.Apparently, there are drones being used to deter the wolves in order to protect the cattle — and the drones are blasting AC/DC music to chase the wolves and coyotes away.Next up, Doug thinks about the problems that keep coming up with getting fresh vegetables and having a source, and how many are thinking about starting their own vegetable garden.Doug also shares information on the agri-hood he’s developing.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Svitlana “Lana” Synkovska, Portfolio Director of Women in Agribusiness (WIA):  http://womeninag.com.They discuss:

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares why he created the program and why supporting family farms matters more than ever.He covers:

For 40 years, Farm Aid has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with family farmers, ensuring they can stay on their land and thrive despite corporate pressures, bad policies, and climate challenges. In this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Jennifer Fahy, Co-Executive Director and longtime Communications Director of Farm Aid.Jennifer shares how Farm Aid began as a one-day benefit concert in 1985 — founded by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp — and has since grown into a powerful nonprofit movement raising over $60 million to keep family farmers farming. We dive into the upcoming Farm Aid 40 festival in Minneapolis, the importance of Homegrown Concessions® and Homegrown Village, and the ongoing fight for a fair and sustainable food system.

In this episode of American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan of Eastleigh Farm shares why he created this program — to give voice to the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of America’s family farmers.Doug dives into the latest news shaping agriculture, including:

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Jared Zystro, Research & Education Director of the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA). For more than two decades, OSA has worked to put the power of seed back into the hands of growers through research, education, advocacy, and community-building.Jared shares how OSA is confronting the challenges of seed industry consolidation, advancing organic plant breeding, and ensuring farmers have access to diverse, high-quality organic seed. He also discusses OSA’s vision for a resilient and equitable future of food—where seed is stewarded by interconnected communities across the country.From the history of seed preservation to the fight for farmers’ rights to save seed, this conversation sheds light on why seed sovereignty is essential for the health of our farms, food systems, and future generations.Learn more about Organic Seed Alliance at SeedAlliance.org.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the latest news impacting small farmers across the U.S. Doug breaks down the “Big Beautiful Bill,” being called Farm Bill 2.0, which includes:Higher statutory references for all commodity program crops

This week, Doug Stephan talks with Janelle Maiocco, Founder and CEO of Barn2Door (Barn2Door.com) — the all-in-one software platform helping independent farmers sell directly to local customers. From streamlining online and in-person sales to simplifying marketing and farm management, Barn2Door empowers farmers to keep more profit, save time, and connect with buyers anytime, anywhere.Janelle shares how Barn2Door has grown to serve thousands of farms in all 50 states, why technology is becoming essential for farm-to-table success, and how her deep roots in agriculture and food have shaped her mission to help farmers thrive in today’s market.Whether you’re a farmer, foodie, or just love supporting local, this conversation will inspire you to think about where your food comes from — and the technology making it easier to get it there.

Doug Stephan — veteran broadcaster and proud dairy farmer (EastleighFarm.com) — breaks down the week’s top stories impacting family farms across the country. This week:Why the term “crisis” may be overused in U.S. agriculture.The USDA’s reorganization plan and what it means for farmers.How the Big Beautiful Bill could affect depreciation and capital gains taxes for farmers selling to other qualified farmers.The Skinny Farm Bill — and the $8 billion needed to fund programs left out of the Big Beautiful Bill.And yes… could ice cream actually be good for your heart? One analyst found that people with Type 2 diabetes who ate small amounts of ice cream a couple times a week had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.It’s the latest ag news with a healthy scoop of Doug’s insight — and maybe a side of ice cream.

This week, Doug tackles a mix of hot-button issues impacting family farmers across the U.S., offering insight only a hands-on farmer can provide.

Guest: Ed Maltby, Executive DirectorOrganization: Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA)

On this week’s American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan takes on some of the week’s biggest agricultural stories. He begins with Brooke Rollins' surprising success at the USDA despite her lack of ag experience, especially in supporting disaster-hit farmers.Doug also dives into new findings on the dangers of ultra-processed foods vs. traditional whole grains and whole milk.Corn season is underway — and so is destruction from the corn earworm, worsened by extreme weather.Plus, a lighthearted look at the “cow decor” craze, and a serious note on why only real milk from mammals should be called milk.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan welcomes Tyler Hawk of Hawk Farms in Kansas, Ohio. Though Tyler now lives in California, he still travels home to work the family’s 230-acre soybean and corn farm.Tyler shares the story of a beloved family heirloom — a 1947 Farmall M tractor restored after sitting in pieces during his childhood.Now serving as Executive Director at an assisted living facility, Tyler talks about how his farming roots continue to ground and guide him, even from across the country.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Warren Eckstein, Pet Behaviorst and Host of The Pet Show. The discussion starts off dispelling the false concept that animals don’t share many of the emotions humans have, but also the beautiful friendship and comradely we have with our animal friends and animal family members. When summer temperatures soar, it’s not just humans who suffer — farm animals, barn cats, and loyal working dogs are all vulnerable to heat stress. This week on the American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan is joined by internationally renowned pet behaviorist Warren Eckstein to talk about how to keep your animals safe and healthy during extreme heat.From simple solutions like shade and clean water to advanced cooling strategies, Warren shares practical, humane tips every farmer can implement. He also breaks down the critical early warning signs of heatstroke in animals and what to do if your livestock or pets are at risk. Warren’s four decades of experience — includin

On this week’s episode of The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) unpacks the latest developments from Washington and beyond that are shaping the future of America’s small farms.Policy Watch:Doug covers updates from the new "Big Beautiful Bill" — including key tax policies and increased federal spending aimed at supporting ag-businesses. With border security becoming an even bigger issue for American farmers, Doug shares why immigration reform and labor access are crucial to keeping small farms afloat.Protecting Our Farmland:The USDA has rolled out its National Farm Security Action Plan, aiming to limit foreign ownership of U.S. farmland — a move designed to reduce influence from adversarial nations and preserve our agricultural independence.Tomatoes, Tariffs & Trade Wars:Doug dives into the latest news on import restrictions from Mexico, including a 17% duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes, and ongoing prohibitions on live animal imports due to screwworm detection. Plus, how similar t